If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you have repeated,
upsetting thoughts called obsessions. You do the same thing over and
over again to try to make the thoughts go away. Those repeated actions
are called
compulsions.
Examples of obsessions are a fear of germs or a fear of being hurt.
Compulsions include washing your hands,
counting, checking on things or
cleaning. Untreated, OCD can take over your life.
Researchers think brain circuits may not work properly in people who
have OCD. It tends to run in families. The symptoms often begin
in
children or teens. Treatments that combine medicines and therapy are
often effective.